Barbados Sol Rally: Where to Stay

It’s one of the world’s most discerning motorsport races, attracting the rich and famous for far more reasons than the cars alone. Which is unsurprising, considering where the event takes place.
The most famous of the Lesser Antilles, Barbados has long cast a spell over travellers. Renowned for its stunning Caribbean west coast beaches, and relatively untouched, somewhat rugged east coast shoreline facing the Atlantic, this tiny dot of land just outside the hurricane belt is understandably one of the most sought after destinations on the planet. So when you throw the prestige of Rally Barbados into the mix, which takes place in June of each year, the swathes of petrol-heads that descend on the island become wholly understandable.
If you’re planning a trip, here are IX Magazine's top tips for accommodation options, in-keeping with the opulence of both the destination, and event itself.
Majestic Villa
From £37,410 p/week
Sleeps - 20
A truly stunning property located in one of the most desirable areas of the west coast, a short distance from Speightstown, Majestic Villa is ideal for large groups. Complete with its own secluded Caribbean cove, and sitting within 1.7acres of beautiful grounds atop a short cliff face, expect a heated infinity pool, tea house, home cinema, a triptych of seafront dining areas and fitness centre.
Exotic Bay Villa
From £17,490 p/week
Sleeps - 14
Few addresses on the island offer the same feeling of colonial history as this sprawling, Oliver Messel-designed residence. Built in the style of an English country house, you’ll find yourself nestled in front of a secluded beach in the St. James area, with a host of outstanding features within. Not least the opulent dining room with patio views over the outdoor pool, a gazebo perfect for enjoying long lunches under the endless blue skies, and seven beautiful bedrooms, with the entire property served by a dedicated staff of butlers, chefs and more.
Green Residence
From £12,845 p/week
Sleeps - 16
Lying within 8acres of landscaped grounds, with the main house built to incorporate a 17th Century sugar mill, everything about the Green Residence exudes character. Your own private stretch of sand offers peace on the Caribbean seafront’s world famous Gibbs beach, tennis courts provide a chance to keep fit, while the swimming pool and jacuzzi area are indicative of the opulence this property was built upon. Split between the central residence, cliff cottage and guest cottage, spend evenings relaxing on the verandas that marry these structures, enjoy leisurely lunches in the gazebo, and make the most of the short walk to the elegant wooden steps leading straight into the Caribbean waters.
Lush Garden Villa
From £17,304 p/week
Sleeps - 14
Nothing screams ‘Caribbean retreat’ like the Lush Garden Villa in Speightstown. Originally built in the 18th Century using coral stone, 11-acres of eponymous gardens were designed by Todd Langstaffe-Gowan of Royal Palace at Hampton Court fame, creating a truly tranquil oasis in which the address sits. A lagoon-style pool offers a great way to cool off if you don’t fancy a dip in the sea, which is within easy striking distance. Inside, seven well-appointed bedrooms combine with a huge reception area, stone-clad dining room with focal-point fireplace, all wrapped in a purple heart wood terrace. The idea being to bring the outdoor inside, and vice versa.
All these villas are available here: http://www.edgeretreats.co.uk
For more information on the Barbados Sol Rally: http://www.rallybarbados.bb/